Is God Responsible for Evil and Suffering? // Asking for a Friend, Part 2

Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world if God is
both all powerful and good?





Evil is defined as that which is morally wrong or sinful;
something that brings sorrow, distress or calamity. It can also
be seen and known as the opposite of good.





In the beginning of the world’s creation, God saw all that he had
made, and it was very good! So why does an all-powerful, good God
let evil and suffering happen? Afterall, if God wanted to stop it
He could. 





The question of the evil and suffering we experience and a
supposedly all powerful and all good & loving God is a real
one we all face. 





Join Pastor Ron Cathcart as he unpacks some of the tensions
around this question & how the Bible talks about pain and
suffering. 





See Genesis 1:3, James 1:13, 1 John 1:5, Isaiah 46: 9-10





EVIL AND SUFFERING ARE PART OF THE BROKEN WORLD WE LIVE IN





In the beginning, God gave Adam and Eve a choice and people have
been making wrong choices ever since. Evil exists in our world
because God’s creatures rebelled and continue to do so. Evil will
persist until the return of Jesus. 





See Romans 5:12 





THE PRESENCE OF EVIL AND SUFFERING DOES NOT MEAN GOD IS NOT ALL
POWERFUL





Atheists would say, “God is not taking care of it, He must not be
all powerful.” In the story of Job, God never answers the
question of why but establishes His ever present power. 





See Job 1: 10-19, Job 38: 4-5, Job 38:22, Job 39: 1-2 





THE PRESENCE OF EVIL AND SUFFERING DOES NOT MEAN GOD IS NOT GOOD
AND LOVING 





When bad things happen, it does not change the fact that God
loves us. God’s own son endured pain and suffering on our
behalf.  Jesus was a suffering servant and by His wounds we
are healed. He who knew no sin was laid out on the cross. 





See Isaiah 53: 3-6, John 3:16 





GOD IS ALWAYS AT WORK, EVEN IN THE MIDST OF PAIN AND
SUFFERING 





We don’t always have the answers but this helps us understand the
concept.  There may be many things happening, but God is our
strength and portion forever. 





See Job 42:1-5, Psalm 73: 13-17, Romans 8:28





WHEN WE HAVE SUFFERED, WE CAN HELP OTHERS WHO ARE SUFFERING 





Sometimes our suffering can lead to a great calling to comfort
for others who find themselves on the same difficult path. Our
suffering can help others who are suffering. 





See 2 Corinthians 1:3-6





SUFFERING MATURES US





Deeper intimacy is gained with God during the hard times. 
Our level of maturity and faith will increase during the hard
times. 





See Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4





WE MUST VIEW PAIN AND SUFFERING IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY 





We measure life on a human timeline. This life is short on the
map of eternity. Some day, Jesus will return and if he never did
another thing, He’s done enough! 





See 1 Peter 4:13, Revelation 21:4





2Rivers Church in O’Fallon, MO, exists to help people become
passionate followers of Jesus. 





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